How Much Do Window Well Covers Cost?

Most homeowners spend between $414 to $680 nationally.
Get free estimates from local contractors who can Install a Window Well Cover.

Window well covers perform several important functions, ranging from keeping animals and debris out of your window wells to enhancing your home security by minimizing the potential access to criminals. However, window wells can come at a cost, and the designs you select depend on your needs. Choosing the right materials is the smartest way to get the results you need.

Window Well Covers Cost

Most homeowners across the U.S. spend $414 to $680 on window well projects, which includes the cost of the materials and professional installation. Although the national average is $605, there's a variety of factors that affect the cost of your project, including the size and type of window well covers you choose and any extras you add to the project.

Window Well Cover Price Factors

Just like installing windows in your home, one of the biggest factors in determining the cost of the project is the size of the windows. Companies use more materials to make larger window well covers, and understandably, they cost more. Other factors include:

Customization: If you must have the covers custom-made because of odd angles or access issues, the materials and installation will cost more than if you buy a cover off the shelf.

Extras: Intricate installation requests, such as installing angle support for the window well covering or adding a motorized opening and closing system, increase the cost of materials and labor.

Window Well Material Costs

When it comes to window well covers, materials matter. Because these covers are intended to protect your home's foundation, prevent people and animals from falling into the wells and deter criminals from looking for easy access to your home, it's important to choose the covers that are best for your home and those that'll protect you from unnecessary window repair costs.

Cost shouldn't be the number one factor. Each material has a slightly different strength. For example:

Plastic window well covers tend to be the least expensive with prices from $10 to $250 depending on the size. They do a good job of keeping dirt and debris from the window well, but they can crack and break.

Shatter-resistant polycarbonate typically comes with costs starting around $50 to $100, but it's far sturdier and more secure.

Tempered glass lets in plenty of light, but it costs anywhere from $400 and up.

Aluminum and steel grates are 250 times stronger than glass, and they can support the weight of a person, making them a very secure option. Prices typically start around $100 to $200.

Window Well Cover Installation Cost

Window contractors typically charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour for basic installations. If you have any special requests, or if your window wells require customization, your contractor may charge a higher rate. Other factors that might affect installation costs include:

Installing support

Using ribbing

Installing a motorized system to open/close the window well covers

Adding finishing details on the window well covers

Window Well Cover Sizes

Just as insulated windows come in varying sizes, so do window well covers. Common window well lengths range from 17” – 70”. If your window doesn't fit into standard sizes, such as a specialized storm window may not, you'll need to buy custom window well covers, which typically cost more. In general, the larger the window well, the more you can expect to pay for it. For example, while you might expect to pay around $50 for a MacCourt plastic window well cover measuring 25” wide and 44” long, you'd pay closer to $280 for the same type of window well cover measuring 38” wide and 60” long.

Where To Buy Window Well Covers

You may be able to buy window well covers through your local window contractor. Other places to buy covers include:

Home Depot

Home Depot carries a variety of brands, many of which offer window well covers as part of a package deal with window wells and other accessories. Some of the brands this store carries include MacCourt, Shape Products, Wellcraft, Rockwell, Amerimax Home Products, ScapeWEL and Adjust-A-Grate. Prices range from $10 – $1,000+.

Ace Hardware

Best Window Well Cover Brands

Just as every sump pump isn't the best for every situation and basement sealants don't all work the same, not all window well cover brands are equally suited for every climate. When you invest in equipment that needs to work well and be durable enough to withstand your regional weather conditions, local professionals have the inside scoop on brands that hold up best in your local conditions. It's best to get a personalized recommendation whenever possible. Some of the best brands include: